The Spanish Film Commission took part in the latest issue of MAPHIZESIndustrial, a venue dedicated to showcasing Spain’s cinematography at the 27th Malaga Festival. The event gathered eighteen partners from the national network of film commissions and film offices, highlighting a collaborative approach to the industry.
MAFIZ-Festival de Málaga offered an exceptional platform for Spain’s film sector to gain visibility among professionals arriving for the market. In a Special Session titled “Snow Community: How to Shoot in Special Locations,” Manuel Ramírez, director of El Ranchito studio, Manuel Meijide, head of Ilux and Mundos Digitales, and Piluca Querol from the Andalusian Film Commission discussed both the hurdles and the triumphs behind major productions such as JA Bayona’s projects. These conversations reflected a shared commitment to pushing creative boundaries while maintaining practical workflows.
Manuel Ramírez Granada described the challenge of blending on-screen footage filmed in the Sierra Nevada with material from the Valley of Tears. He explained that the team aimed to open a digital window into the Andes, a goal that required managing enormous scales over a three-year process. Filming across the northern and southern hemispheres introduced additional complexity. The crew had to coordinate varied techniques depending on the obstacle they faced. Tasks such as syncing records, aligning backgrounds, shooting in a defined order due to actor changes, and incorporating snow effects all demanded careful texture and color control. When the team reached the Andes, they faced a snow shortage during the sequence, prompting a focus on texture matching and color correction for the added snow. To meet these demands, El Ranchito, led by JA Bayona, developed a toolset that stayed with the project from start to finish. This bespoke, evolving system enabled continuous enhancements in camera management and asset handling. The crew also explored methods for controlling lighting timestamps and superimposing different locations, acknowledging that the vehicle’s role as protagonist required adaptive techniques to solve each problem. The result amazed observers and underscored the power of integrated production tools.
Manuel Meijide highlighted the Spanish Film Commission’s efforts to formalize best practices in the visual effects arena, including a white paper on virtual shoots. He emphasized the importance of standardization that allows a single location to serve multiple studios and productions, and he urged close collaboration with technology to keep pace with industry needs.
One-stop service and broad collaboration form the industry’s core strength
The session’s second focus looked at how film commissions and film offices support projects from idea to realization in Spain. Moderated by Víctor Lamadrid, vice president of the Spanish Film Commission and director of the Cantabrian Film Commission, the discussion featured Amaia Mauleón of the Vigo Film Office, Belén Carrasco of Malaga Film Office, and Xiomara García of Film Madrid. The group stressed that the network is essential for national and international audiovisual production. They described how the daily work of the partners, though often behind the scenes, helps projects move smoothly from concept to screen.
Amaia Mauleón explained the office’s approach: support for every project, big or small, with a focus on providing the best possible assistance across all shooting needs, including practical guidance and professional development. The services offered by the commissions extend beyond filmmaking to encompass other sectors such as entertainment and communications. Xiomara García reinforced the idea of a network that also considers sustainability, while Belén Carrasco noted the emphasis on standardized practices that minimize environmental impact while maximizing the economic and logistical benefits of production.
All participants agreed on the value of collaboration, noting that presenting a variety of shooting locations across regions strengthens the entire industry. The Spanish Film Commission coordinates this effort, ensuring that producers are aware of the best options across the country. The partners underscored that being part of a network makes it easier for productions to connect with the right venues and services, wherever the project may originate.
Furthermore, the partners recognized the importance of demonstrating the economic impact of shoots. Having solid financial figures supports the industry’s credibility and helps attract national and international attention to Spain as a filming destination.
85% of the Spanish Film Commission network is composed of women
In a public display of commitment to equality, the commission celebrated a commemorative toast for International Women’s Day. Sara Sevilla, a member from the Navarra Film Commission and a participant in the network, joined Malaga Festival director Annabelle Aramburu in highlighting a key statistic: 36 of 43 commissions and offices within the network are led or represented by women. This figure signals strong leadership and a progressive shift toward more inclusive industry practices, with a continued focus on fostering a positive, empowering work environment for women leaders.
The network list includes Andalusian Film Commission, Aragon Film Commission, Canary Islands Film, Cantabria Film Commission, Castilla-La Mancha Film Commission, Castilla y León Film Commission, Extremadura Film Commission, Film Madrid, Madrid Film Office, Málaga Film Office, Mallorca Film Commission, Menorca Film Commission, Navarra Film Commission, Parc audiovisual de Catalunya, Murcia Film Commission Region, Seville Film Office, Valladolid Film Commission, and Vigo Film Office. These partners contribute to the ongoing renewal and expansion of the market during this edition of MAFIZ-Festival de Málaga.
Activities conducted by the Spanish Film Commission within this market are part of a broader national plan that aligns with European initiatives for audiovisual cooperation. The focus remains on attracting foreign investment, boosting competitiveness, and showcasing national talent to audiences at home and abroad. This collaborative framework continues to position Spain as a premier destination for audiovisual production, with a steady emphasis on shared resources, sustainable practices, and coordinated, nationwide support for filmmakers.
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